Intro
The Black Hornet PRS 3 (Personal Reconnaissance System) is a nano unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to provide immediate, covert situational awareness to dismounted soldiers at the squad and individual level. Its primary objective is to bridge the intelligence gap between ground-based observation and larger UAV platforms by delivering real-time aerial reconnaissance in environments where stealth, speed, and portability are critical. Combat-proven with NATO forces, PRS 3 enables rapid intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) without exposing operators to direct threats.
Physically, the Black Hornet PRS 3 is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing less than 33 grams, with a total length of 168 mm and a rotor diameter of 123 mm. Its near-silent operation and minimal visual signature allow it to operate covertly in dense urban areas, confined spaces, and contested environments. The air vehicle is small enough to be carried on a soldier’s utility belt, while the complete system including ground control station (GCS) and spares, weighs approximately 1.3 kg, requiring minimal training to deploy effectively.
The PRS 3 is equipped with a multi-sensor payload, including dual EO cameras for daytime operations and a fused EO/thermal night imaging system with an optional user-selectable LED light. This sensor fusion enables persistent reconnaissance across day, night, and low-visibility conditions. The payload module is replaceable, enhancing maintainability and lifecycle flexibility in the field. Despite its size, the system delivers stabilized live video and high-quality still imagery directly to the operator in real time.
From a systems perspective, Black Hornet PRS 3 emphasizes secure, resilient, and autonomous operation. It supports GNSS-based navigation and optional vision-based navigation, allowing effective flight in GPS-denied or indoor environments. Mission data including video, snapshots, and metadata is AES-256 encrypted, stored on a removable SD card, and compliant with STANAG 4609 and Cursor on Target (CoT) standards. Integration with ATAK and selected Battlefield Management Systems (BMS) enables seamless intelligence sharing across tactical networks, making PRS 3 a critical force-multiplying sensor for modern infantry operation.